Chapter 8 – The Mind of a Warrior

Ariel's body still ached from the previous day's training. His muscles, unaccustomed to such strain, protested with every movement. Yet, despite the soreness that weighed on his limbs, he did not resent it. Pain was an honest teacher, a reminder that his body was adapting, reshaping itself into something stronger. He had not landed a single blow on Selene, but he had learned. And that was enough.

As he entered the training courtyard, he found Selene waiting as always, her stance composed, her gaze unreadable. But today, there was no call to attack, no command to resume their sparring. Instead, she motioned for him to sit.

"Combat is not merely a test of strength and speed," she began. "It is a battle of minds. A warrior who fights purely on instinct is nothing more than a beast. A warrior who relies solely on strategy is a tactician, not a fighter. The greatest warriors balance both—the ability to adapt in the moment while remaining anchored in principle."

Ariel listened intently, his heartbeat steadying as he focused on her words.

"What do you think separates an average fighter from a master?" Selene asked.

Ariel thought for a moment. "Experience? Skill? Training?"

Selene shook her head. "These things are important, but they are not the answer. A master fights with awareness. They see the battle before it unfolds. They understand their opponent—not just their attacks, but their intent, their rhythm, their weaknesses. And, more importantly, they understand themselves."

Ariel absorbed the words, thinking back to his sparring session. He had struck wildly, desperately, reacting instead of controlling the battle. Even though Selene had done nothing but defend, she had dictated every movement he made. He had fought without true understanding.

"A warrior's first battle is with themselves," Selene continued. "You must master your own nature before you can master another's. Fear, hesitation, doubt—these are greater enemies than any opponent you will ever face. If you do not control them, they will control you. Follow these principles and eventually you will reach clarity."

Ariel nodded. He had always fought against uncertainty, against the weight of an unknown past. The idea that mastering himself was part of becoming stronger resonated with him.

Selene rose smoothly, walking toward the weapon racks that lined the courtyard. Her fingers traced along the hilts of various blades before she pulled one free—a slender practice sword, its dull edge designed for training. She turned, holding it out to him.

"Your fists will only take you so far," she said. "It is time you learned the sword."

Ariel hesitated for a moment before taking the weapon. It was heavier than he expected, though not unwieldy. The grip felt strange in his hands, unfamiliar, but he adjusted his hold, feeling the balance of the blade.

"Why do warriors often favor the sword instead of something with greater reach, like a spear or a lance? Wouldn't a longer weapon provide a stronger advantage in battle?"

Selene regarded him for a moment before answering. "A spear or lance offers reach, but reach alone does not win battles. Weapons with greater range rely on distance and control, but they become liabilities in close combat. A sword, on the other hand, offers versatility—it can strike, defend, and adapt to the fluid nature of battle."

Ariel frowned slightly, considering her words. "So, a sword is the balance between power and control?"

Selene nodded. "Exactly. It is an extension of its wielder. In the hands of a novice, it is just a piece of metal. In the hands of a master, it becomes an unstoppable force. That is why we train with it—to refine our skill, to hone our discipline, and to learn the true nature of combat.""

Selene took a step back, drawing her own practice sword. "The Lightbound Order favors the sword as a weapon of discipline. A blade requires precision, restraint, and control. It is an extension of its wielder—just like mana."

She lifted her blade into a ready position. "Before you learn techniques, you must first understand the principles of swordplay. Just as with unarmed combat, balance is the core of every movement. Your stance must be strong yet fluid. Your grip must be firm yet adaptable. Every strike must serve a purpose."

Ariel mirrored her stance as best as he could. The weight of the weapon altered his balance slightly, forcing him to adjust his footing. Selene observed, then nodded in approval.

"A sword is not swung. It is guided," she said, shifting her stance. "Watch."

With a single motion, she executed a clean, fluid strike through the air. There was no wasted movement, no excess force—just precision.

"Now, you try."

Ariel took a breath, raised his sword, and swung. The blade cut through the air, but the motion felt off—too rigid, too forced. Selene stepped beside him, adjusting the angle of his wrist.

"Again. Slower. Feel the motion before you try to perfect it."

He tried again, this time focusing on the movement rather than the outcome. He let the weight of the sword guide his arm, rather than forcing it through the motion. It still wasn't perfect, but it felt more natural.

Selene nodded. "This will take time. But you are beginning to understand. We will train in this until it becomes second nature."

Ariel lowered his sword slightly, exhaling. He had spent weeks learning to control mana. Now, he would learn to wield a weapon. The road ahead was long, but he was beginning to see it clearly.

And for the first time, it didn't seem so impossible.